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Programs for removing traces of phone connection. Features of cleaning USB ports on various devices

Lists of open files and devices connected via USB, browser history, DNS cache - all this helps to find out what the user was doing. We have compiled step-by-step instructions on how to remove traces of your activities in different versions of Windows, Office and popular browsers. At the end of the article you will find several scripts that will help you automatically keep your machine clean.

1. Clear lists of recent places and programs

Let's start cleaning with lists of recent places and programs. The list of recent (in Windows 10 - frequently used) programs is in the main menu, and the list of recent places is in Explorer.


How to turn off this disgrace? In Windows 7, right-click on the “Start” button, select “Properties” and in the window that appears, uncheck both boxes in the “Privacy” section.

To clear the list of recent places and documents, you need to delete the contents of the %appdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent directory. To do this, open the command line and run two commands:

Cd %appdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent echo y | del *.*

It also wouldn't hurt to delete the contents of the %appdata%\microsoft\windows\recent\automaticdestinations\ directory. It stores the latest files that appear in the jump list:

Cd %appdata%\microsoft\windows\recent\automaticdestinations\ echo y | del *.*

To ensure that recent files are cleared automatically when you exit, you must enable the "Clear the history of recently opened documents on exit" policy, which is located in the "User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Start Menu and Taskbar" section.

Now let's move on to Windows 10. You can disable the list of recently added and frequently used applications through the Settings window. Open it and go to the “Personalization” section, “Start”. Turn off everything that is there.


It seems that the problem has been solved, but this, alas, is not entirely true. If you enable these parameters again, all lists with the same composition will appear again. Therefore, you will have to disable this feature through Group Policy. Open gpedit.msc and go to User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Start Menu and Taskbar. Enable the following policies:

  • “Clearing the list of recently used programs for new users”;
  • “Clear history of recently opened documents on exit”;
  • “Clear notification log on tile when exiting”;
  • “Remove the list of programs pinned to the Start menu.”

Clearing recent places in Windows 10 is easier than in Windows 7. Open File Explorer, go to the View tab and click the Options button. In the window that appears, disable the “Show recently used files in the Quick Access Toolbar” and “Show frequently used folders in the Quick Access Toolbar” options. Don't forget to click the "Clear" button.

As you can see, such a simple task as cleaning up the last objects has a rather complicated solution. Without editing group policies - nowhere.

2. Clear the list of USB drives

At some sensitive facilities, only flash drives registered in the log are allowed to be connected to the computer. Moreover, as usual, the magazine is the most ordinary one - paper. That is, the computer itself does not in any way restrict the connection of unregistered drives. It doesn’t limit, but it records! And if during the check it is discovered that the user connected unregistered drives, he will have problems.

We under no circumstances advise you to try to steal military secrets, but the ability to clear the list of recently connected drives can be useful in other life situations. To do this, look in the following registry keys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USBSTOR\ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USB\

Here they are - all the drives that you connected to your computer.


It would seem that you just need to take it and clean everything. But it was not there! Firstly, the permissions for these registry branches are set in such a way that you cannot delete anything even in “seven”, not to mention “ten”.


Oops…

Secondly, assigning rights and permissions manually takes a long time, especially if there are many drives. Thirdly, administrator rights will not help. The screenshot above was created when I performed the delete operation with admin rights. Fourthly, in addition to these two sections, you need to clean a long list of sections. Moreover, they need not just to be deleted, but to be edited correctly.

If for some reason you need to do everything manually, then search for the keywords MountPoints, MountedDevices DeviceClasses and RemovableMedia. But it’s much easier to use a ready-made program that will do everything for you. Some forums recommend USBDeview for this. However, I tested it and declare that it does not clear information from all the necessary sections. USBSTOR And USB continue to contain information about connected media.

I can recommend the program. Run it, check the “Perform real cleaning” checkbox. You can turn on the “Save .reg cancel file” option or not, but if the goal is not to check the program, but to prepare for an upcoming computer inspection, then it’s better to turn it off.


The program not only cleans the registry, but also displays a detailed log of its actions (see below). When it finishes, there will be no mention of connecting drives to the computer.


3. Clear cache and browser history

The third point in our tutu is clearing the cache and browser history. There are no difficulties here - each browser allows you to reset the list of recently visited sites.

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Sometimes it becomes necessary to disable USB ports on a computer or laptop in order to limit access to connect flash drives, hard drives and other USB devices. Disabling USB ports will help prevent the connection of any drives that could be used to steal important information or cause a virus to infect your computer and spread malware across the local network.

Restricting access to USB ports Let's consider 7 ways

  1. , with which you can block USB ports:
  2. Disabling USB through BIOS settings
  3. Changing registry settings for USB devices
  4. Disabling USB ports in Device Manager
  5. Uninstalling USB controller drivers
  6. Using Microsoft Fix It 50061
  7. Using additional programs

Physically disconnecting USB ports

  1. 1. Disabling USB ports through BIOS settings
  2. Enter BIOS settings.
  3. Disable all items related to the USB controller (for example, USB Controller or Legacy USB Support). After you have made these changes, you need to save the settings and exit the BIOS. This is usually done using the key.
  4. F10

Restart your computer and make sure the USB ports are disabled.

2. Enable and Disable USB Drives Using Registry Editor

The instructions below allow you to block access to various USB drives (for example flash drives), but other devices such as keyboards, mice, printers, scanners will still work.

  1. Open the Start menu -> Run, enter the command " regedit" and click OK to open the Registry Editor.
  2. Continue to next section

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\USBSTOR

  3. On the right side of the window, find the item “ Start” and double-click on it to edit. Enter value " 4 » to block access to USB storage devices. Accordingly, if you enter the value again “ 3 ", access will be reopened.

Click OK, close Registry Editor, and restart your computer.

The above method only works when the USB controller driver is installed. If a driver has not been installed for security reasons, the Start setting may be automatically reset to 3 when the user connects the USB drive and Windows installs the driver.

3. Disable USB ports in Device Manager

  1. Right-click on the " Computer" and select the "Properties" item in the context menu. A window will open on the left side of which you need to click on the link “ device Manager».
  2. In the device manager tree, find the item " USB controllers" and open it.
  3. Disable controllers by right-clicking and selecting the "Disable" menu item.

This method doesn't always work. In the example shown in the figure above, disabling the controllers (the first 2 points) did not lead to the desired result. Disabling the 3rd option (USB Mass Storage Device) worked, but this only allows you to disable a single instance of the USB storage device.

4. Removing USB controller drivers

Alternatively, to disable the ports, you can simply uninstall the USB controller driver. But the disadvantage of this method is that when the user connects a USB drive, Windows will check for drivers and, if they are missing, will offer to install the driver. This in turn will allow access to the USB device.

5. Prevent users from connecting USB storage devices using a Microsoft application

Another way to deny access to USB drives is to use Microsoft Fix It 50061(http://support.microsoft.com/kb/823732/ru - the link may open near the mituta). The essence of this method is that 2 conditions for solving the problem are considered:

  • The USB drive has not yet been installed on the computer
  • The USB device is already connected to the computer

Within the scope of this article, we will not consider this method in detail, especially since you can study it in detail on the Microsoft website using the link given above.

It should also be noted that this method is not suitable for all versions of Windows OS.

6. Using programs to disable/enable access to USB storage devices

There are many programs for setting a ban on access to USB ports. Let's consider one of them - the program USB Drive Disabler.

The program has a simple set of settings that allow you to deny/allow access to certain drives. USB Drive Disabler also allows you to configure alerts and access levels.

7. Disconnecting USB from the motherboard

While physically unplugging USB ports on a motherboard is a nearly impossible task, you can disable ports on the front or top of your computer by unplugging the cable that goes to the motherboard. This method will not completely block access to USB ports, but will reduce the likelihood of using drives by inexperienced users and those who are simply too lazy to connect devices to the back of the system unit.

! Addition

Denying access to removable media through the Group Policy Editor

In modern versions of Windows, it is possible to restrict access to removable storage devices (including USB drives) using the Local Group Policy Editor.

  1. Run gpedit.msc through the Run window (Win + R).
  2. Go to the next branch " Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System -> Access to Removable Storage Devices»
  3. On the right side of the screen, find the “Removable drives: Deny read” option.
  4. Activate this option ("Enable" position).

This section of Local Group Policy allows you to configure read, write, and execute access for different classes of removable media.

Good afternoon If you do not clean all connectors and ports in a timely manner, you can safely forget about correct and proper operation. Your USB port will begin to lag, constantly lose connection, and if you do not clean the connector in a timely manner, devices connected via USB will no longer be recognized. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to do this correctly - after all, our portal is intended for ignorant beginners.

Do I need to clean the USB ports of my computer and laptop?

Not many people know why cleaning such fragile, but at the same time important components of a computer, laptop or phone is necessary. But think about it: how many times a day do you use the ports? In the morning, scrolling through the VK feed from your phone, you first put it on charge before a hard day at work.

Then, having already returned home, you take a mouse that works with USB and insert a flash drive next to it to finish printing an important work document. And this happens every day. It is not surprising that the connector (like any other hole) very quickly becomes clogged with dust, dirt and the remains of your food.

And all this leads to rather unpleasant consequences. Some ports simply stop working, others periodically lose connection to the device. And, if this problem is not corrected, then you can say goodbye to the normal response of the mouse or the stable operation of the external hard drive.

How to clean a USB port (connector)

To ensure that cleaning goes smoothly and without problems, you should not disassemble your PC or phone trying to get to the dirt from the inside. Nothing good will come of this anyway: the inputs are tightly soldered to the motherboard, so you will simply waste your time.

Our advice is to limit yourself to external cleaning.

To do this you will need:

  • Brush.
  • Disinfectant (alcohol or chlorhexidine).

It is not necessary to buy a special brush in a specialized store. Even a hairdresser's shop is suitable for applying paint (if you have an old one lying around the house) or any other with long bristles. Gently apply alcohol to it, let it dry a little so that nothing falls, and begin. Try to get the bristles right in, but don't press too hard to avoid breaking anything.

After this, use a vacuum cleaner or a can of compressed air to carefully blow out the port, getting rid of any remaining dirt.

How to clean micro usb connector

If the connectors stop working on your phone or laptop, then from that moment on you will have real problems. Since many modern devices are equipped with a micro usb port, cleaning them will not be easy. As a rule, a regular tool simply won’t fit there.

Take the following:

  • Plastic unnecessary card.
  • "Velcro."

To avoid a useless discount, cut a small strip not wider than the port itself. At the bottom, cover it with some kind of Velcro - these often come complete with a charger. Wait until the improvised brush dries.

You can search online for special cleaning accessories - nowadays everything has been invented and sold.

After this, moisten the Velcro a little with alcohol and start cleaning. Carefully insert the plastic into the connector and try to clean the walls of the port with it, where dirt most often accumulates.

Is it possible to clean USB ports?

Of course, both of the above methods are quite complex and require a certain amount of manual dexterity and basic computer literacy skills. Therefore, many people believe that it is much easier to arrange a permanent wash. Some even throw their phone in soapy water!

Of course, you can do this... If you don’t need your device at all and want to change it. Otherwise, avoid water. It damages the contacts on the microcircuits, which in turn can even lead to a short circuit.

Therefore, our advice is to avoid getting water into your computer or phone in every possible way.

What is a utility for cleaning USB connectors?

Also, people who don’t want to bother with such cleaning try to do it programmatically. Indeed, you can actually find similar software on the Internet. Moreover, this is not a deception at all. The code is quite working and copes with all the tasks. Another thing is that it carries a completely different goal.

Utilities allow you to clear all data on previously connected USB devices to your computer, rather than physically remove dirt from them. And how would this be possible, think for yourself?

Why did the USB ports stop working after cleaning?

Of course, not everything and does not always go as smoothly as we would like. Sometimes, while pursuing a good goal, we only break everything. And, trying to achieve speed of response, we get zero response.

Most likely, during cleaning you accidentally damaged some wire or shorted the contacts. It is possible that you somehow caused the contacts to short out. In this case, there is only one option left - contact the service. It's best not to try to solve the problem yourself.

conclusions

In fact, there is nothing complicated in the process of cleaning ports. You don’t need expensive equipment or the skills to disassemble and assemble all the components together, because cleaning can be done not only internally, but also externally. If you want to do this regularly, just buy a brush in the store.

Video review

Good evening dear visitors of my blog!!! It's been a while since I wrote anything new. I sat and thought, and remembered an interesting topic that I came across at the session. The topic concerns the registry and connecting USB flash drives; during the classes we looked at writing code to remove a flash drive from the system in safe mode using Free Pascal. The code has been disassembled as it should be and I don’t see any point in considering it within the framework of this topic, but I will tell you how to clean the traces left by flash drives that you once connected.

How to clean the registry from USB traces?

We will perform cleaning using the standard Regedit product. It starts like this: “Start - Run - regedit”

The main Registry Editor window will open. Now you will need to find the following subsections:

  1. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USBSTOR
  2. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Enum\USBSTOR
  3. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet002\Enum\USBSTOR

Each of these sections stores data about connected flash drives. Entries with the Disc prefix can be safely deleted. As an example, I provide screenshots with the contents of these sections in my registry.

This is the content of sections numbered 1 - CurrentControlSet

Here you see the contents of the section - ControlSet001

Well, here, as you probably already guessed, the section entries are ControlSet002

Records with the Disc prefix are selected and deleted.

Why clear entries from the registry?

If you connect a lot of flash drives to your computer, then your registry begins to become clogged with this garbage, as a result of which with each new flash drive the recognition process will begin to slow down, but do we need it?

Is it possible to simplify (speed up) the cleaning procedure?

Yes, it's possible! To do this, you need to use a program, as an example I can give - Usb Oblivion. The program is easy to find on the Internet, it is free, and weighs very little.

We run the program as an administrator, check the “Perform real cleaning” checkbox and click the “Cleaning” button - the job is done.